Field Notes | Sustainable & Organic Practices at Gold Ridge Organic Farms
April 16, 2025
Gold Ridge Organic Farms is honored to be a finalist for Sonoma County Tourism's 2025 Stars of the Industry Awards in the category of Environmental Stewardship & Sustainable Practices. This award recognizes a hospitality business that has developed a culture toward environmentally sustainable practices within everyday operations. Voting is now OPEN through Friday, April 18, 2025. We would be immensely honored to have your support.
A Commitment to the Land & Community
Since founding Gold Ridge Organic Farms in 2000, Farmer Brooke Hazen has been dedicated to organic farming, sustainable practices, and the promotion of healthy, farm-to-table foods. His holistic approach to agriculture integrates environmental stewardship, renewable energy, and community engagement can work in harmony to ensure a thriving, sustainable farm ecosystem.
Sustainable Agriculture & Land Stewardship
- Certified Organic: Our olives, apples, and citrus are Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth (OTCO), while our on-site mill is Certified Organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), ensuring adherence to the highest sustainability standards.
- Closed-Loop Farming: We maintain a regenerative system where olive waste and pomace are recycled back into the orchards, enriching the soil and nourishing our trees.
- Carbon Farming: We implement carbon sequestration practices to enhance soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate resilience.
Renewable Energy & Resource Conservation
- Wind Power: A visible landmark on the property, our wind turbine harnesses the prevailing maritime breezes to contribute to the clean energy grid.
- Electric & Battery-Powered Equipment: Our investment in Monarch electric tractors and battery storage reduces our carbon footprint while also powering farm operations and events sustainably.
- Water Stewardship: Our farm relies on well water, carefully managed to support the land while ensuring conservation.
Community Engagement & Education
- Educational Programs: We host hands-on workshops such as Caring for Your Backyard Olive Orchard and guided Orchard Walks to educate guests on sustainable farming.
- Heirloom Apple Celebration: This annual event connects families and children with the joy of tasting heirloom apples at their seasonal peak, fostering an appreciation for local agriculture.
- Community Milling: We offer local olive milling services, transforming olives from the surrounding community into high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Host local foodshed and farmers for lunches; supporting local farmers and makers supports economically sustainable actions for the community.
Sustainable Products & Packaging
- Farmshop & Tasting Room: Opened in 2020, our farmshop welcomes visitors to experience the farm’s seasonal offerings and learn about our organic products firsthand.
- Estate-Grown & Handcrafted: Our extra virgin olive oils are grown, milled, and bottled on-site, while our value-added products—such as apple cider, apple cider vinegar, apple cider syrup, and citrus shrub drinks—utilize organic fruit grown on the farm.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: We prioritize sustainability in our packaging, using recyclable glass bottles and tins, biodegradable cups for tastings or washable materials in our tasting room, and minimizing plastic use throughout the farm.
"I haven’t encountered many American olive oils that knocked me out, but this one from Gold Ridge Organic Farms in Sebastapol is exceptionally good."
Ruth Reichl, James Beard Award Winner, Food Writer & Chef
"Your EVOO is extraordinarily delicious! The oils are smooth, flavorful, and absolutely outstanding. I found your EVOO to be perfect for drizzling on cooked vegetables, and salads; although I use it anywhere I would previously use butter or a spread. The taste is simply incredible. Thank goodness you ship to the east coast; I'm so glad I found you and I will continue to be a customer."
Carol T., Hackettstown, NJ
"5 stars: We were a bit late arriving at Gold Ridge, but Stephanie warmly welcomed us. Such a glorious day to explore the apple and olive orchards...we loved every minute of it! The olive oil tasting, a first for all of us, was a hit! Thank you for sharing Gold Ridge with all of us!"
Karen A., Sebastopol, CA
"We had a wonderful experience at Gold Ridge Organic Farms! We booked a tour and olive oil tasting to celebrate a birthday, and our morning here did not disappoint. The place is simply beautiful. The olive and apple orchards are gorgeous, with views for miles. We came home with new knowledge and some delicious items for our kitchens. Thank you for a fabulous day."
Nina S., SF Bay Area, CA
"I'm only on my first of the trio, Minerva, but I'm already super happy with my order. And, as a longtime connoisseur, you are now one of my favorite olive oils, not kiddin, and will now be in my regular rotation. Thank you for the complimentary pour spout. I never liked their idea as to keep oxygen out. But I love it. Super convenient and makes it easy to pour all over the place."
Homero D., Driftwood, TX
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